6/25: Hello readers and friends. I recently had my second (of two) total knee replacement surgeries so I'll be out of commission for a bit while I recover. Please be patient while I get back to full health. I hope to be back to posting as soon as I can. I look forward to getting back out there. 🙏. - Jonathan Maus, BikePortland Publisher and Editor
Front page of The Columbian newspaper today. U.S. Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) is featured in a front page story in today’s edition of The Columbian newspaper expressing his concerns about the “fiscal reality” of the new I-5 bridge (the story is only available in their print edition). Echoing a sentiment shared by economist Joe Cortright … Read more
“Due to continued declining transportation revenues, the County has decided not replace that transportation planning staff position in the near future. Regrettably, a consequence is that we are unable to staff the Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen Advisory Committee, and it will be suspended until further notification.”— Jane McFarland, Multnomah County Tranportation Planner in an email … Read more
At a meeting in City Hall last night, Parks Commissioner Nick Fish (in suit in upper left corner) learned more about urban mountain biking issues from a host of experts and advocates.(Photos © J. Maus)
BTA veteran Doug Parrow will help bolster legislative efforts in Karl Rohde’s departure.(Photos © J. Maus) I got in touch with BTA executive director Scott Bricker today to ask him about how their recent shift in personnel would impact their 2009 legislative agenda. On Friday, I reported that the BTA’s government relations and public affairs … Read more
Multnomah County is working on a project to re-design Scholls Ferry Road. This Thursday (4/9), they’re holding the second of two public meetings where you can check out and weigh in on proposed design configurations. The official press release is below: Open house for Scholls Ferry Road streetscape design plan The second of two public … Read more
While at the CRC opposition rally on Sunday, I met Vancouverite John Kangas. He was passing out flyers with “Bike Me!” across the top. He is trying to organize Vancouver bike lovers and has set up a meeting for “all who cycle in Vancouver”. Here are the details if you’d like to attend: When: April … Read more
Universal Cycles storefront at NW 18th and Thurman.(Photos © J. Maus) Universal Cycles in northwest Portland has committed $10,000 a year for the next five years in order to help push local advocates and community leaders into creating more singletrack mountain bike trails in Forest Park. Universal general manager Mike Doolittle told me this morning … Read more
Tim O’Donnell’s widow, Mary O’Donnell, had these buttons made for the hearing. Last Friday, just two days after he relieved former BTA lobbyist Karl Rohde from his duties, executive director Scott Bricker was down in Salem filling his former role as the organization’s chief lobbyist. Bricker presented the BTA’s position on their proposed Vehicular Homicide … Read more
View of the crowd from atop the Morrison Bridge.-Slideshow below-(Photos © J. Maus) A large and energetic crowd showed up for the CRC Opposition and Alternatives Rally held in Waterfront Park today. They were energized by a long list of speakers ranging from Portland City Councilor Amanda Fritz to Republican Washington State Senator Don Benton. … Read more
The fabled Lion of Flandersled the riders out of NorthwestPortland this morning.-Slideshow below-(Photos © J. Maus) Portland’s unsanctioned spring classic, the third annual De Ronde van Oeste Portlandia, attracted an estimated 600-700 riders today. They were treated to a gorgeous day with clear blue skies and temperatures well into the 60s. They started this morning … Read more
Karl Rohde at the National Bike Summit back in March. (Photos © J. Maus) Karl Rohde is no longer on the staff of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA). Rohde was the BTA’s Government Relations and Public Affairs Director. Late this afternoon I received several phone calls and emails about the news after Rohde sent out … Read more
B-Line co-owner Kathryn Racine-Jones astride one of her company’s delivery vehicles.(Photos © J. Maus)